She writes: "Love your column and agree with you 99 percent of the time, so I want your opinion on MY questions. First, why is it OK for the entire state of voters to be penalized for the state's error with the primary schedule?"

I write: It's obviously not OK, but it does show you the contempt people in politics have for voters. The national Democratic Party didn't care that millions of Michiganders (OK, given voter turnouts, tens of thousands is probably more accurate) were disenfranchised for a crucial election. They cared more about inter-party discipline and game-playing. God bless America.

From: Marlene Cromwell

She writes: "Maybe this is not something to get upset over (but) when I read that (Flint is) proposing to spend $1million in 2008 to add landscaping (and) decorative lighting (to) Third Avenue, it made me very disgusted. Hello? With all the run-down homes, abandoned homes, unemployed people, bad streets, why isn't this million dollars being used for the people who live in Flint?"

I write: I know what you mean, Marlene. What good's a lamp post when people are starving? But they're trying to light a spark in that area of town by linking the major universities, and you don't get fires without a spark. My gripe is that they're not spending enough. If you're going to do it, do it big. Buy all the land, all the homes, clear out what needs to be cleared out and do something with the rest.

From: Eileen U.

Re: The Journal buy-out

She writes: "It's a relief that you have decided not to call it quits and start writing books full time. I couldn't stand the thought. Yikes! Thank goodness there is some insanity left -- that would be you! I enjoy the ride!"

I write: Thanks, Eileen. I appreciate that. Like a lot of people down here, I've been asked a million and 12 times whether I'm staying or leaving, so your e-mail gives me an excuse to answer people officially and enmasse: No, I'm not leaving. I love newspapers. I love what I do. I'll do it as long as they let me. Keep on reading and subscribing. If we don't keep buying newspapers and supporting newspaper advertisers, they'll go away (no kidding -- Cincinnati just lost the Post) and that would be the ruin of society. And me.

From: Allen Staples

Re: My ongoing "Hooey Watch" series on the presidential election.

He writes: "I am afraid you have finally taken on the impossible -- to de-hooey the election. After all, without the hooey, what is left?"

I write: Excellent point, Allen. But don't worry, politicians are a lot like the old doughnut commercial. When it comes to hooey, they can always make more.
Don't just sit there -- have your say!